verb
veer
veer
Veer (verb) means to change direction suddenly, especially while moving. Example: “The car veered off the road to avoid the deer.”
verb
1
To change direction suddenly, especially while moving.
"The car veered off the road to avoid the deer."
"Their conversation veered from work to old memories."
noun
1
An act of suddenly turning or swerving.
"One sharp veer of the wheel and they narrowly missed the pothole."
How to use veer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo swerve or shift direction, sometimes unexpectedly.
Common pairings
veer off course
veer to the left/right
veer away from
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Word forms
- Plural
- veers
- Third person singular
- veers
- Past tense
- veered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The car _____ off the road to avoid the deer.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle Dutch vieren, meaning "to slacken" (originally about letting out a rope or sail-line).
Related words
Rhymes for veer
See all rhymes for veer →Frequently asked questions
What does “veer” mean?
The word “veer” means to change direction suddenly, especially while moving. In plain terms, to swerve or shift direction, sometimes unexpectedly.
How do you pronounce “veer”?
“Veer” is pronounced veer (/vɪ(ə)ɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “veer” in a sentence?
Here is “veer” used in a sentence: “The car veered off the road to avoid the deer.”
What is the opposite of “veer”?
The opposite of “veer” — its antonyms — are back and haul forward.
What part of speech is “veer”?
Depending on how it is used, “veer” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “veer” come from?
The word “veer” comes from Dutch. Borrowed from Middle Dutch vieren, meaning "to slacken" (originally about letting out a rope or sail-line).
How many meanings does “veer” have?
“Veer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to change direction suddenly, especially while moving.
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